Cork 6-28 Clare 0-6
Courtesy of Denis Hurley (The Echo)
THE feel-good factor in Cork underage hurling continued in Semple Stadium on Wednesday night as the Rebels eased into the semi-final of the Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling Championship with a comprehensive win over Clare.
In the wake of the All-Ireland U20 win at the weekend, hopes were high that this crop could get their campaign off to a positive start and they did that.
While manager Noel Furlong and his backroom will be keen to impress upon the team that all that was won was the right to play Limerick next Tuesday week, there will be satisfaction with the way the high levels were rarely allowed to drop.
Full-forward Jack Leahy was eye-catching with a phenomenal tally of 3-8, but he led a strong ensemble cast.
The way Cork started was reminiscent of the opening stages of U20 final, albeit at a slightly slower pace. Tadhg O’Connell’s point had them off the mark inside 70 seconds, and by the sixth minute, it was 0-4 to 0-0 as his Ballincollig clubmate James Dwyer, Leahy and Diarmuid Healy all pointed. However, just as impressive as the attacking output was the application at the other end that showed Cork were properly keyed in as a team – Darragh O’Sullivan got a good challenge in to deny Conor Whelan passage while Timmy Wilk made a strong block on a Seán Rynne effort.
Cork played Leahy and Eoin O’Leary inside with William Buckley drifting as Mikey Finn dropped deeper from midfield. That could have allowed Clare’s extra manpower in defence to be a factor but good diagonal deliveries ensured that it didn’t become one.
Leahy got his second and Cork’s fifth point on 11 and Buckley got off the mark before an O’Connell turnover led to an Eoin O’Leary goal-chance, saved by Adam Enright in the Clare goal.
However, Cork’s six-point lead at the water-break was soon cut in half as the Banner County came back with renewed impetus, converted into points from Niall O’Farrell, James Organ and a massive Whelan free. It was as close as they came, though, with Cork rediscovering their momentum and making a decisive move before half-time.
Another fine Buckley point ended the 10-minute period without a score for Cork and that was immediately followed by the first goal as Healy’s well-directed pass allowed Leahy to take Shane Woods on the outside before firing home from a tight angle.
Immediately after that, centre-back Ben O’Connor – who was imperious all night – slalomed through the Clare defence and fed O’Leary. While Enright denied him, Leahy was on hand to divert the loose ball to the net for a 2-7 to 0-3 lead.
After points from Healy and Ben Nyhan, Cork had their third goal as O’Connell’s pass set up Leahy for a fine finish after a great move.
Further scores from Dwyer – his second – Mikey Finn, sub Ross O’Sullivan and the ever-efficient Buckley pushed Cork further clear though they did have to be thankful to goalkeeper Paudie O’Sullivan for a save from James Doherty.
Just before the water-break, sub Adam Walsh marked his arrival with a well-taken goal, set up by O’Sullivan. Then, after Niall O’Farrell got Clare’s first point since the 30th minute, Walsh struck again, Healy the provider on this occasion.
Clare’s cause wasn’t helped by the dismissal of Woods in the final quarter for a second yellow card Cork’s serene progression continued. O’Sullivan showed lovely skill to get the sixth goal after Walsh repaid the favour to him.
J Leahy 3-9 (0-4 f), R O’Sullivan 1-3, A Walsh 2-0, D Healy, W Buckley 0-4 each, J Dwyer, T O’Connell 0-2 each, D O’Sullivan, B O’Connor, B Nyhan, M Finn 0-1 each.
N O’Farrell 0-2 f, J Organ, C Whelan (f), S Rynne 0-1 each.
P O’Sullivan (Fr O’Neills); J Byrne (Ballinora), K Lyons (Ballygarvan), D O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig); T Wilk (Cobh), B O’Connor (St Finbarr’s), J Dwyer (Ballincollig); M Finn (Midleton), C Tobin (Bride Rovers); B Nyhan (Clyda Rovers), D Healy (Lisgoold), T O’Connell (Ballincollig); E O’Leary (Glen Rovers), J Leahy (Dungourney), W Buckley (St Finbarr’s).
R O’Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh) for O’Leary (h-t), A Walsh (Bride Rovers) for Nyhan (41), D Cremin (Midleton) for Dwyer (45), S Kennedy (St Finbarr’s) for Byrne (46), R Sheahan (Kanturk) for Buckley (53).
CLARE: A Enright; J Cahill, S Woods, R O’Connor; D Stritch, T Leyden, R Wynne; J O’Neill, N O’Farrell; J Organ, C Killeen, J Doherty; S Rynne, C Hassett, C Whelan.
Subs: O Whelan for Organ, F Hayes for Whelan (both 35), E Maxted for O’Connor (40), M Heneghan for Hassett (49), S Crosbie for Leyden (50).
Referee: N Barry (Waterford).
Cork U20 Hurling team to play Tipperary has been announced
Cork U20 hurling manager Pat Ryan has announced the team to play Tipperary on Tuesday night in Munster Hurling Championship Semi-Final.
Additional Panel Members
Cathal McCarthy Sarsfields, Padraic Cullinane Ballinascarthy, Cathal Hickey Lisgoold, Paddy O’Flynn Bride Rovers, Colm McCarthy Sarsfields, Conor Griffin Newtownshandrum, Sean Walsh Carrigtwohill, Brian Keating Ballincollig
Cork U20 2021 Hurling Panel
Cathal Wilson Newcestown
Cian Long Glen Rovers
Eoin Downey Glen Rovers
Padraic Cullinane Ballinascarthy,
Piaras O Halloran Ballygarvan
Cathal Hickey Lisgoold
Cathal McCarthy Sars
Colm McCarthy Sars
Micheál Mullins Whitechurch
Brian Keating Ballincollig
Conor O Leary Ballincollig
Paddy O Flynn Bride Rovers
Sean Walsh Carrigtwohill
Sean Desmond Watergrasshill
Ben Cunningham St Finbarrs
Conor Griffin Newtownshandrum
Ciaran Joyce Castlemartyr
Dáire O Leary Watergrasshill,
Cormac O’Brien Newtownshandrum Captain,
Cillian O Donovan Douglas
Ethan Twomey St Finbarrs
Kevin Moynihan Na Piarsaigh
Brian O Sullivan Kanturk
Sam Quirke Midleton
Diarmuid Kearney Cobh
Luke Horgan Glen Rovers
Darragh Flynn Ballygiblin
Daniel Hogan Sarsfields
Jack Cahalane St Finbarrs
Robbie Cotter Blackrock
Padraig Power Blarney Vice Captain,
Brian Hayes St Finbarrs
Cork edge Kerry in U20 thriller
Cork 3-12 Kerry 3-11
Courtesy of Eoghan Cormican (The Examiner)
A Ciaran O’Sullivan point in the fourth minute of second-half stoppages saw Cork come out on top in this enthralling Munster U20 semi-final contest.
Cork – who operated with 14 men from the 49th minute onward following a second yellow card to corner-back Colm O’Donovan and who did not score between the 46th and 63rd minute – succeeded in conjuring up a winning score at the death after Kerry had wiped out a six-point deficit to draw level deep in injury-time.
Extra-time appeared inevitable after a Sean Quilter free levelled matters in the fourth minute of injury-time, but Cork, in the ensuing play, eked out a winner from sub O’Sullivan. Credit too to Cork midfielder Brian Hayes who made a huge catch to set the Cork attack in motion.
A powerful third quarter from Keith Ricken’s charges – during which they outscored the Kingdom by 1-4 to 0-2 – handed Cork a 3-11 to 2-8 lead at the second water break. Cork’s third goal was supplied by their outstanding performer Conor Corbett who finished with 2-4.
Momentum swung back in Kerry’s favour on 49 minutes when corner-back O’Donovan received a second yellow for a footblock on Paul O’Shea. The latter converted the subsequent penalty, with Kerry adding three scores coming down the stretch to tie matters.
O’Shea was presented with a late, late chance to force extra-time following Ciaran O’Sullivan’s point, but he kicked wide.
The result means all five Kerry minor teams from 2014-18 have passed through the U21/20 age grade without managing a single All-Ireland title An entertaining first-half had seen goal chances aplenty at either end, with both sides raising two green flags apiece.
Cork’s second, which arrived in the third minute of first-half stoppages, handed the home side a slender 2-7 to 2-6 interval lead. It was a goal that had its roots in a Brian Hayes turnover of Kerry centre-back Eoghan O’Sullivan. Possession was quickly transferred inside, with Jack Cahalane feeding Conor Corbett who finished emphatically.
The same two Cork forwards were centrally involved in the county’s opening major on 19 minutes, Corbett assisting for Cahalane on that occasion. The Castlehaven youngster’s strike levelled proceedings at 1-4 apiece after Kerry had taken a 1-3 to 0-4 lead into the first water break.
The semi-final’s opening goal had arrived just before this minute’s pause in action, Kerry midfielder Darragh Lyne, fed by Eoghan O’Sullivan, striding through the Cork cover and rolling the ball into the corner of Gavin Creedon’s goal.
A Kerry goal had been on the cards from early on. Dylan Geaney hit the post with their outstanding chance of the opening exchanges, with Paul O’Shea getting caught in two minds as to whether to shoot or pass when presented with a subsequent opportunity.
Cork were also guilty of failing to put away scoring opportunities. The post was twice hit, Colin Walsh shot straight at ‘keeper Marc Kelliher, while four wides were tallied.
Kerry’s second goal, on 23 minutes, was in direct response to Cork’s opening major from Cahalane and shoved the visitors back out to three in front, 2-4 to 1-4. Paul O’Shea instigated the score with a fine fetch in the middle of the field, the move ending with Geaney finding the net.
Kerry relinquished the lead when Cork worked a second green flag and they failed to win it back between there and the finish.
Scorers for Cork: C Corbett (2-4, 0-2 frees); J Cahalane (1-0) D Buckley (0-3); A Walsh-Murphy, D Dorgan (0-1 free), C Walsh, C O’Hanlon, C O’Sullivan (0-1 each).
Scorers for Kerry: D Geaney (1-4, 0-4 frees); P O’Shea (1-2, 1-0 pen); D Lyne (1-0); S Quilter (0-2, 0-2 frees); C Falvey, C Hayes, R Ó Beaglaoich (0-1 each).
CORK: G Creedon (Kilshannig); C O’Donovan (Newcestown), D Phelan (Aghada), C McGoldrick (Éire Óg); A Walsh-Murphy (Valley Rovers), T Walsh (Kanturk), D Cashman (Millstreet); B Hayes (St Finbarr’s), E Cooke (Ballincollig); C Corbett (Clyda Rovers), J Cahalane (Castlehaven), N Hartnett (Douglas); D Dorgan (Ballincollig), C Walsh (Kanturk), D Buckley (Newcestown).
Subs: C O’Hanlon (Buttevant) for C Walsh (28); S McDonnell (Mallow) for Dorgan (39-42, temporary); S O’Sullivan (Adrigole) for O’Hanlon (41, inj); E Nash (Douglas) for Dorgan (56); N Lordan (Ballinora) for Phelan (56, inj); C O’Sullivan (Kilshannig) for Cooke (61).
KERRY: M Kelliher (Glenflesk); D Murphy (Rathmore), J McCarthy (Kenmare Shamrocks), O Fitzgerald (Gneeveguilla); C Moriarty (Annascaul), E O’Sullivan (Legion), E Clifford (Laune Rangers); D Lyne (Legion), S O’Brien (Beaufort); T Doyle (Dr Crokes), P O’Shea (Kilcummin), K Falvey (Annascaul); C Hayes (Kerins O’Rahillys), D Geaney (Dingle), R Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht).
Subs: J Kennelly (Ballydonoghue) for Doyle, S Quilter (Austin Stacks) for Hayes (both 40); A Dineen (Rathmore) for Moriarty (47); P Darcy (Glenflesk) for Falvey (50); P Walsh (Brosna) for Ó Beaglaoich (59).
Referee: J Hayes (Limerick).
Picture courtesy of George Hatchell
Elton John at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Cork have strong win over Clare
Cork 6-28 Clare 0-6
Courtesy of Denis Hurley (The Echo)
THE feel-good factor in Cork underage hurling continued in Semple Stadium on Wednesday night as the Rebels eased into the semi-final of the Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling Championship with a comprehensive win over Clare.
In the wake of the All-Ireland U20 win at the weekend, hopes were high that this crop could get their campaign off to a positive start and they did that.
While manager Noel Furlong and his backroom will be keen to impress upon the team that all that was won was the right to play Limerick next Tuesday week, there will be satisfaction with the way the high levels were rarely allowed to drop.
Full-forward Jack Leahy was eye-catching with a phenomenal tally of 3-8, but he led a strong ensemble cast.
The way Cork started was reminiscent of the opening stages of U20 final, albeit at a slightly slower pace. Tadhg O’Connell’s point had them off the mark inside 70 seconds, and by the sixth minute, it was 0-4 to 0-0 as his Ballincollig clubmate James Dwyer, Leahy and Diarmuid Healy all pointed. However, just as impressive as the attacking output was the application at the other end that showed Cork were properly keyed in as a team – Darragh O’Sullivan got a good challenge in to deny Conor Whelan passage while Timmy Wilk made a strong block on a Seán Rynne effort.
Cork played Leahy and Eoin O’Leary inside with William Buckley drifting as Mikey Finn dropped deeper from midfield. That could have allowed Clare’s extra manpower in defence to be a factor but good diagonal deliveries ensured that it didn’t become one.
Leahy got his second and Cork’s fifth point on 11 and Buckley got off the mark before an O’Connell turnover led to an Eoin O’Leary goal-chance, saved by Adam Enright in the Clare goal.
However, Cork’s six-point lead at the water-break was soon cut in half as the Banner County came back with renewed impetus, converted into points from Niall O’Farrell, James Organ and a massive Whelan free. It was as close as they came, though, with Cork rediscovering their momentum and making a decisive move before half-time.
Another fine Buckley point ended the 10-minute period without a score for Cork and that was immediately followed by the first goal as Healy’s well-directed pass allowed Leahy to take Shane Woods on the outside before firing home from a tight angle.
Immediately after that, centre-back Ben O’Connor – who was imperious all night – slalomed through the Clare defence and fed O’Leary. While Enright denied him, Leahy was on hand to divert the loose ball to the net for a 2-7 to 0-3 lead.
After points from Healy and Ben Nyhan, Cork had their third goal as O’Connell’s pass set up Leahy for a fine finish after a great move.
Further scores from Dwyer – his second – Mikey Finn, sub Ross O’Sullivan and the ever-efficient Buckley pushed Cork further clear though they did have to be thankful to goalkeeper Paudie O’Sullivan for a save from James Doherty.
Just before the water-break, sub Adam Walsh marked his arrival with a well-taken goal, set up by O’Sullivan. Then, after Niall O’Farrell got Clare’s first point since the 30th minute, Walsh struck again, Healy the provider on this occasion.
Clare’s cause wasn’t helped by the dismissal of Woods in the final quarter for a second yellow card Cork’s serene progression continued. O’Sullivan showed lovely skill to get the sixth goal after Walsh repaid the favour to him.
Scorers for Cork: J Leahy 3-9 (0-4 f), R O’Sullivan 1-3, A Walsh 2-0, D Healy, W Buckley 0-4 each, J Dwyer, T O’Connell 0-2 each, D O’Sullivan, B O’Connor, B Nyhan, M Finn 0-1 each.
Clare: N O’Farrell 0-2 f, J Organ, C Whelan (f), S Rynne 0-1 each.
CORK: P O’Sullivan (Fr O’Neills); J Byrne (Ballinora), K Lyons (Ballygarvan), D O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig); T Wilk (Cobh), B O’Connor (St Finbarr’s), J Dwyer (Ballincollig); M Finn (Midleton), C Tobin (Bride Rovers); B Nyhan (Clyda Rovers), D Healy (Lisgoold), T O’Connell (Ballincollig); E O’Leary (Glen Rovers), J Leahy (Dungourney), W Buckley (St Finbarr’s).
Subs: R O’Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh) for O’Leary (h-t), A Walsh (Bride Rovers) for Nyhan (41), D Cremin (Midleton) for Dwyer (45), S Kennedy (St Finbarr’s) for Byrne (46), R Sheahan (Kanturk) for Buckley (53).
CLARE: A Enright; J Cahill, S Woods, R O’Connor; D Stritch, T Leyden, R Wynne; J O’Neill, N O’Farrell; J Organ, C Killeen, J Doherty; S Rynne, C Hassett, C Whelan.
Subs: O Whelan for Organ, F Hayes for Whelan (both 35), E Maxted for O’Connor (40), M Heneghan for Hassett (49), S Crosbie for Leyden (50).
Referee: N Barry (Waterford).